Drought: Gardening and Landscaping

All Drought: Gardening and Landscaping Content

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Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

A lush, green lawn with a few scattered weeds throughout.

Use Caution With Turf Herbicide Applications During Extreme Heat and Drought

Dry conditions cause weeds to be under stress. This decreases herbicide effectiveness with annual, biannual and perennial plants. So, is there a safe option for weed control in yards during high temperatures and dry conditions?

Gardener deeply watering a vegetable garden in the early morning.

Protecting Plants From Heat Stress

When summer temperatures soar with no sign of a break, it is hard on humans and plants. Learn some tips that will help protect plants from heat stress, including soil protection, watering considerations and providing shade.

Small, white moth with a pattern of brown stripes on the wings.

Sod Webworms Causing Issues in Stressed Lawns

Sod webworm moths have been very active during the last couple of weeks. These small moths are an indicator of the potential for lawncare issues to come.

Color-coded map of the United States showing precipitation outlook for May 2022. The majority of South Dakota is predicted to have above-average precipitation.

May 2022 Drought and Climate Outlook

The May climate outlook favors cooler and wetter than average conditions. It is possible producers could experience some short-term drought relief, with a return to drought or re-intensifying in the mid-summer season.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of March 29, northwest to southeast South Dakota are facing severe drought to abnormally dry conditions, while the northeast is under normal conditions.

Drought

Stay ahead of drought impacts with SDSU Extension's timely climate updates, business insights and research-tested management tips.

Color-coded map of the United States showing Precipitation outlook for October to December 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions for most of South Dakota in the coming three months.

2021 Fall and Early Winter Climate Outlook

The latest monthly and seasonal climate outlooks were released Sept. 16, 2021 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. Forecasters are pointing towards a warmer than average October, with odds leaning towards drier conditions for the last few months of the year.

Vast winter prairie on the Rosebud Reservation.

Climate Resilience Toolkit for the Northern Plains Region

In September 2021, the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit announced the publication of a new Northern Great Plains Region section. The new section can help producers recognize climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities and confront risks.

Green and brown grasshopper with two yellow lines that originate on the head and meet on the abdomen.

Grasshoppers in Gardens

Due to large populations and dry conditions, grasshoppers are moving into gardens and feeding on whatever they can find. In a normal year, grasshoppers can be a nuisance in a garden, but during an outbreak year, they can present a real threat to gardens, shrubs and small trees.

Young woman photographing leaf-scorched hostas in a garden.

Garden and Yard Problems Solved: How to Submit Photos and Samples to Our Experts

Garden and lawn issues can sometimes be diagnosed by simply looking at a photo. Photos give our Extension experts a place to start, and providing them with the best possible photo can help the process.